Australia Day nominations now open

Last year’s winner of the Young Citizen of the Year Isaac Forrest (left) with his proud grandparents Roslyn and Bob O’Brien.

If you are thinking about nominating someone for next year’s Australia Day awards in the Western Downs, note that nominations will close a little earlier this year.

Councillor Kaye Maguire said that nominations for the 2019 awards will close on Wednesday 31 October to ensure that they give every nomination full consideration.

These awards are about recognising achievers in our communities, some who have worked quietly in the background for years,” she said.

“We want to showcase those who put in a lot of hard work and dedication within their town, whether it is in a particular sport, art or cultural area, general community contribution, or outstanding school achievement.

“Over 90 nominations were received last year from across the Western Downs region in eight categories and we are excited to receive lots of entries again this year and read about the amazing achievements of our people.”

Nominations are accepted from the Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla, Tara, Dalby and Jandowae districts.

Local winners will be chosen in each district and from these, regional winners across five categories are chosen.

All winners will be announced at the annual Australia Day awards ceremony events across the region.

Isaac Forrest received the Young Citizen of the Year award in 2018 for his involvement in various sports including coaching and his community involvement as a School Captain, and his involvement with the Chinchilla Lions Club.

Isaac believes that winning the Australia Day Award has opened up new opportunities for him.

“I’m so proud that I could add this to my resume, as well as providing occasions to meet with Council members and especially Mayor Paul McVeigh,” Isaac said.

“I’m confident that it will help create opportunities for my future.

“I was a bit embarrassed going up in front of people at the ceremony, but I felt ecstatic and absolutely honoured that I was being acknowledged by the community.

“I would encourage people to make a nomination, as it tells hard-working individuals in our community that they are appreciated, and also may inspire others to volunteer in their community.

“So, I think, you are helping to improve both the spirit and the functionality of the community itself.”

Awards Categories
Young Citizen of the Year (ages 16-25)
Citizen of the Year (ages over 25)
Senior Cultural Award
Junior Cultural Award
Senior Sports Award
Junior Sports Award
Sports Administrator/Coach/Official Award
Community Project/Event of the Year
Certificate of Achievement Year 12 Dux Award.